Twelve militants killed in Russia’s south

Twelve militants were killed during a two-day security operation in Russia’s southern republic of Dagestan. Five servicemen from the Russian Interior Forces were killed during the battles.

The militants were one of allegedly three militant groups that have been operating in Dagestan, the Federal Security Service (FSB) spokesman told Interfax news agency. The leader of a 12-member group was among those killed in the operation.

A large amount of weapons and ammunition was found, the spokesman informed

And according to Dagestan’s Interior Ministry, five servicemen from the Russian Interior Forces were killed during the operation. According to the ministry spokesman, those killed are a radio operator gunner from a Mi-8 helicopter and four special troops. Two more special troops were wounded.

Interior Ministry says the active phase of the operation was suspended at nightfall. Measures to neutralize the militants will be continued at dawn.